Indonesia Learns SDGs Implementation Framework from Japan

A delegation of seven representatives from Indonesia embarked on a significant visit to Kawasaki, Saitama, Nagano, and Osaka, in Japan from 26 May to 1 June 2025, aimed at enhancing the framework for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation within Indonesia's subnational governments. This initiative is a part of activities from the technical cooperation project between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Indonesia's Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas).

The delegation was led by Mr. Kurniawan, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Bappenas for Institutional Relations, joined by Mr. Arifin Rudiyanto, Expert Coordinator of the National SDGs Secretariat and representatives from provincial governments and universities from North Sumatera and Jakarta, as well as a representative from a non-state actor.

During the five-day visit, the participants engaged in comprehensive learning experiences about Japan's SDGs implementation at prefectural, and city levels by lectures from and discussion with governments and private sectors. Key areas of their focus included the SDGs Future City initiative, SDGs Public-Private Platform, and SDGs Finance/Program of SDGs Registration for Business, which are Japan’s unique initiative. On the last day, they visited Osaka Expo especially the Exhibition of SDGs for Local Development.

The visit aimed to achieve several objectives crucial for strengthening Indonesia's SDGs framework. Firstly, the delegation sought to learn about Japan's national framework that facilitates SDGs-related activities at the subnational level, including prefectures and municipalities, building upon their pre-departure studies. Additionally, participants conducted case studies of SDGs-related activities implemented by Japanese prefectural governments and municipalities, gaining insights into effective practices and strategies. Furthermore, the visit provided an opportunity to explore the roles of companies and financial institutions in contributing to SDGs achievement at the subnational level, enhancing understanding of corporate and financial contributions to sustainable development.

All participants considered the program as highly relevant. As Mr. Wahyu Ario Pratomo, Head of SDGs Center from the University of North Sumatera, said “the entire content of the program is very useful and comprehensive… Information related to the implementation of the SDGs by the Kawasaki City Government, Kaidandren (Japan Business Federation), Saitama Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, and various private companies, as well as the visit to the Osaka Expo has provided knowledge and inspiration to also implement it in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia.”

This visit marks a significant step in strengthening Indonesia's capacity to implement SDGs effectively across various regions, fostering sustainable development and collaboration between government entities, academia, and non-state actors. After return to Indonesia, the participants are expected to share and use the knowledge from this program on their roles, including to promote the innovative financing for SDGs implementation, for instance, through SDGs Registration for Business Program which is already applied in Japan.